Do I Have to Disclose Asset Locations to My Spouse’s Attorney?

Question from Joe, Do I Have to Disclose Asset Locations to My Spouse’s Attorney?

Answer from AI:

In legal proceedings such as divorce or separation in the USA, both parties are typically required to disclose their assets to ensure fairness and transparency. This process often involves discovery methods like interrogatories or requests for production. While you may have concerns about security, you generally must provide accurate information about your assets, including their location, unless you can justify withholding it.

Key Considerations:

1. Legal Disclosure Requirements: Courts usually require full disclosure of assets, including their location, to assess valuation and ownership, especially for marital property. Withholding information without a valid reason could lead to legal consequences.

2. Security Concerns: If you have genuine security reasons, you might seek a protective order to keep the location confidential. This requires demonstrating that disclosure could pose a risk.

3. Relevance of Information: If the location isn’t relevant to the case, you might argue against disclosure. However, if it’s necessary for valuation or division, the court may require it.

4. Public Information: If the location is publicly known, withholding it may not be justified. Conversely, private information might be protected if disclosure could endanger security.

5. Consult an Attorney: It’s advisable to consult your attorney to navigate these obligations and explore options like protective orders or negotiated disclosures.

Conclusion:
While you must disclose assets, you may protect sensitive details through legal means. Consult your attorney to address security concerns while complying with legal requirements.